Piaggio Beverly 300 (2010-current): New aesthesis in the category.
The bike under test was almost new, it had clocked 407 Km. The performance described is inferior to that which the future rider will achieve, after a proper run in of the engine.
Engine: The familiar single cylinder liquid cooled 278 c.c. Quasar engine, delivers 22.2 bhp/7250 rpm and 2.3 Kgm / 5750 rpm, claimed values.
Actually engine produces a slight vibration at idle. Under full throttle acceleration, the scooter reaches 40 Km/h very-very fast, 60 Km/h very quickly, 80 Km/h quickly, the speed of 100 Km/h adequately. Acceleration is reduced from that figure upwards, the scooter reaches 120 Km/h moderately, top speed is 135 Km/h.
On minor downhill roads top speed is 139 Km/h, while at the opposite direction, minor uphill roads, top speed drops to 120 Km/h. Speed figures described are speedometer indications.
Travelling speed on the highway is between 110 and 120 Km/h. During summer downtown rides, the radiator fan can be heard operating frequently.
To start the engine, rider should not apply the throttle, otherwise the engine will not come to life easily. Pressing the mode button on the right side of the handlebar, rider may change the indications on the dash.
Riding position: The width and height of the seat are increased. Average height riders or even higher will step a confident foot on the ground.
The dimensions of the scooter are average for the standards of the category. The weight of the scooter feels somewhat increased, 165 nominal Kgs empty.
Rider is placed almost over the scooter. Riding position is neutral, hands' grip to the handlebar is relaxed, arms are stretched naturally.
On the road: The suspension adjustment feels relatively firm. A 35 mm fork is equipped at the front. The only possible adjustment is the rear shocks¢ spring preload.
Factory fitted tyres are Pirelli Diablo Scooter, their dimensions are 110/70-16 at the front and 140/70-14 at the rear. They are not the best choice for this scooter category, especially on low friction streets.
The new Piaggio Beverly is a very neutral scooter on city rides. Riding is comfortable and sporty, handling lies between stability and agility. Its something like a chameleon, providing an integrated proposal for the rider to ride it as he wishes.
Minor road imperfections are absorbed superbly for the category standards, despite the small 14 inch rear wheel. Large street imperfections are being felt by the rider. The street imperfections damping is considered to be an advantage of the Beverly for the 300 cc scooter category standards.
In the process of filtering the handlebar height is the same, or slightly greater compared with that of car¢s mirrors. The height of the mirrors is the same with that of the SUV mirrors.
Filtering will be easy except from traffic congested streets, where rider may wish for a marginally narrower handlebar.
Steering lock is very good.
On B-roads, Beverly provides an equivalent mix of stability and agility. Riding neutrality is evident also on this terrene, rider will be easily satisfied.
At the fast pace on B- roads, feedback to the rider is relatively good for the category standards, despite the 14-inch rear wheel. Riding confidence is equivalent, nimble riders will be satisfied, Valentino Rossi¢s cousins not quite.
Any ambitious rider willing to improve lap times has to consider specific scooter brands. By doing that he will get some extra cornering confidence, together with a fully committed scooter. The question if scooters may be considered as sporty bikes arises then, the answer is a loud and clear no.
At the end of the day, a nimble pace on the Beverly is achievable, no everyday comfort dramas required. At the fast pace a minor compromise will be asked. At the very fast pace rider will be forced to slow down, which will be required also by every single scooter on the market.
On the highway, riding is comfortable travelling with the speed of 110-120 Km/h. No compromises will be asked, although its not a top class highway travelling scooter.
Stability and comfort will help the rider to travel a considerable distance for the category standards, prior to the need of a stretching stop.
Single disc brakes are equipped, a 300 (!) mm at the front, a 240 mm at the rear. Twin piston calipers and steel brake lines are used, front and rear.
On high friction factor streets, braking is really good, progressive, providing good feedback to the rider and the exact amount of braking power which is required.
On moderate friction factor streets, braking is slightly more powerful than ideal. Emergency braking will require some caution because the wheels may be locked easily. Feedback to the rider is relatively good. An ABS would be welcomed on slippery streets.
Comments: Á full face helmet may be accommodated at the storage space under the seat. There is adequate space around the helmet for more luggage. In case of jet helmet use, two of those may be stored under the seat, as shown.
The increased storage space is there due to the use of the smaller 14 inch wheel at the rear. The seat may be opened by using the button at the left side of the handlebar. There is a light in the storage space. The gloves compartment at the leg shield is rather small, providing a 12V socket.
A rack and a side stand are also provided. The rider¢s feet floor is not level. The fuel reservoir is placed at the bottom of the scooter in order to get the centre of gravity lowered. Rider has to hold the fuel cap when refueling, which is not really a classy gesture on an elegant scooter. Quality build is very good.
The lateral tyre valves, multi-indication dash, elegant seat, leather like covered leg shield, alloy wheels, clear rear light and beautiful LED lights front and rear, act like the spices when cooking.
The hook for shopping bags and the passenger footrests are carefully concealed when not in use.
The main dish is a quality and very effective scooter, satisfying absolutely the majority of riders, no matter if they are inexperienced or experienced. This is accomplished without any fake promises use, e.g. sporty design and sporty oriented handling.
Finally the garnish, that is the design, although subjective, is the first that attracts the attention of the buyer. This is accomplished by heavy doses of Italian charm or European culture, just to save any misunderstandings about nationalities. Dynamic flowing lines are used. The advanced design is reinforced by the two-tone color use on the Beverly.
The 300 c.c. scooters are targeting in Mediterranean countries. The elegant design directly affects the sales, as there is a tendency among those riders to stand out of the crowd by their bikes¢ looks. Several competitors remain stationary at this point, using indifferent design lines.
They provide a clearly sporty character, which is something that the Beverly, cleverly detours. This does not mean that Beverly will not respond in a challenge by the sporty scooters of the class. It makes it clear though that even if it was ridden by Max Biaggi, riding a 300 cc scooter would not be his first option to improve lap times on a track.
A 125 cc version is also produced, where the only difference is focused on the engine capacity. It produces 15 bhp, otherwise it is exactly the same with the 300 c.c. version. The result is that weight difference between the two, is only 3 Kgs.
Price: 4450¤
+ Integrated choice. (This is not as easy as it sounds)
+ Design
- ABS if used on low friction factor roads
More, specifications (U.K.)
Ccc